Arizona Western College celebrated its new facility in La Paz county Monday afternoon at a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by local leaders and AWC officials.
KAWC’s Stephanie Sanchez reports.
The Arizona Western College Parker Community Center sits next to the AWC Parker Learning Center. It will be used for classroom space, a fitness center, a prep kitchen and office spaces.
The 11,200 square feet building offers four center classrooms which can be converted into a large meeting space and can accommodate over 200 guests.
AWC Associate Dean for La Paz County Services Katheline Ocampo said the new facility will serve as a venue for community events.
“I think the college growing and expanding is a nice addition to the county, we're always looking for economic growth and development." Ocampo said. "The college can definitely aid in that, offer training as the county and community continues to grow."
Colorado River Indian Tribe council member Amelia Flores said the proximity of the facility is a benefit to tribal members.
"We won't have to go to Lake Havasu, We won't have to go to Phoenix or even Blythe, everything can stay here," Flores said. "We can generate taxes and create jobs and so the possibilities are out there to educate our people and bring those classes here."
The total cost is estimated to be around 1.8 million for the new AWC Parker Community Center.
